Unusual Female Names From My Genealogy J-P

Lavina

English variation of Lavinia, Latin

This vintage name is still used today among the Amish.

Jemima

Hebrew

"dove; daytime"

Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, and has since shifted to be used more generally too, replacing…

Mathilde

French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda

"battle-mighty"

Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers,…

Orabella

Latin variation of Arabella

"beautiful altar"

Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.

Orlaith

Irish

"golden princess"

In early, pre-Norman Ireland, this name was borne by both a sister and a niece of high king Brian Boru. Now, the English form Orla is more commonly used.

Leota

German

"of the people"

Leota is an antique name rarely used any more -- it was given to just 8 baby girls in the US in 2021. Some sources says Leota is a Native American name meaning blue flower.

Maret

Estonian form of Margaret

"pearl"

A succinct Estonian form of classic Margaret.

Mechtilde

Mechtilde is a feminine name with deep Germanic medieval roots, representing an older form of the name Matilda. It derives from the German elements 'macht' meaning might or strength and 'hild'…